Panthers of ISKL #335: Timmy C. (‘27) - The Determined Panther
ISKL allowed me to do so much; to do all that I have done, and I only plan to do more in my senior year. I don’t think it’s impossible to find and try new things and hobbies, and there is always a possibility that something can happen.
Meet Timmy C. (‘27), an all-rounded ISKL student who takes full advantage of school life to drive his interests and passions. Whether he is on the stage, athletics track, rugby pitch, volleyball court, or even learning skills in his newfound hobby of bouldering, he is a prime example of a student with a determined Panther spirit.
Here is Timmy’s story
Can you tell us more about yourself? What grade did you join ISKL in?
I am from the United States, but I was born in Indonesia, as I am a mix of both. Before coming to Malaysia, I lived solely in the US with my family. I stayed there for 13 years until I finally came to ISKL. I joined when I was halfway through Grade 7.
We understand that you are active in theater and have recently starred in Mamma Mia the Musical. Tell us more about your experience.
I love theater, and Mamma Mia was probably my favorite production I’ve ever participated in. The process was fun and was never slow, especially for me. With the time I had, I was only thinking about how I could be as impressive as possible on stage with tricks and charming gestures. Plus, witnessing the rest of the leading cast shine made me in awe as they always impress me with their theatrical skills.
What inspires you in theatre? Where do you plan to take this in the future?
An inspiration I’ve had was always wanting to be in a really big movie. Even as a kid, I wanted to be a movie star, and the theater was one way to get there. Although it’s not something that I want to actively pursue, I still want to get involved in productions when I’m older, whether that may be participating in the production or supporting it by watching.
What are your other interests, passions, or hobbies?
I have so many interests, passions, and hobbies. I love sports, and I love being active. I’ve been involved in the ISKL track, rugby, and volleyball teams, as well as an external volleyball club team, in addition to weekend bouldering. I’ve even picked up a new passion, dance!
How do you incorporate them into school life? And how do you find a balance between studies and your co-curricular activities?
I got so interested in sports that it made me want to explore the science behind them. I signed up for Sports Science, Human Anatomy, and HL Biology to pursue sports more later in life, and for theatre, I ended up taking an SL theatre class to better understand why I am performing and the history behind performance.
Finding a balance between studies and extra-curricular activities is hard, but to do so, you need to understand how your schedule works and what your priorities are.
Have you got advice for other students who may want to pursue their passions, interests, or hobbies at school?
If students want to pursue their passions, interests, or hobbies at school, they should join school clubs, school sports teams, school productions, and maybe even certain classes that can take these from High School to adult life. I find that life is best when you are around something that makes you feel your best.
Who are your role models? And who influences you?
My dad is a huge role model of mine; he pushes me to experience the world while I’m young and lively. I am so grateful he’s allowed me to explore the world and make connections with people across it. He encourages me to take risks and try new things, and I don’t think I would have ever done all the things I’ve done here at ISKL without him.
The biggest influences in my life have to be all my friends; they drive me crazy, but they are one of the primary reasons I enjoy being at ISKL. They’re everything I can be, and they make me want to be more like them. They’re amazing.
What is your most memorable moment at ISKL?
My most memorable moment at ISKL has to be the day I had my first class. I was nervous, and I didn’t know what to expect. Having a fresh start was scary, especially because I didn’t know how people acted here. Change is scary, but I’ve learned that change is something positive; it got me involved in sports, hobbies, and made me flourish as a person.
Which of these Panther superlatives best reflects your Panther spirit and personality, and why?
I think ‘The Most Onz Panther’ (Onz means nothing is impossible) reflects me the most. I’ve always tried to do my best and really believed that I can do anything, but I wanted to do everything. ISKL allowed me to do so much; to do all that I have done, and I only plan to do more in my senior year. I don’t think it’s impossible to find and try new things and hobbies, and there is always a possibility that something can happen. I managed to go to the IASAS dance with a broken leg that had only been in recovery for two months, and I was only able to practice the routine five weeks into recovery. If I want to do something, I’m gonna try to do it.
Tell us why ISKL is special to you and what you like most about the school.
The people are the best here, whether that may be new people or people who have left the school. Every single one that I have met and called a friend is someone I want to stay in contact with and connect with even after High School. I love this school because it lets me meet and spend time with people that I adore.
What does the ISKL vision ‘Know yourself, care for all and create a better world” mean to you?
That phrase tells me to be kind to everyone, make the environment around me better and safer for everyone, and also to find out who you are, what you love, where you're from, and how you can improve.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff member who always has an anecdote to tell, loves to share some insights into their passions and interests, or simply is a Panther through and through? Nominate them to be featured in our Panthers of ISKL stories by sending in your submissions here.